[William Farrell oral history interview]

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IntervieweeFarrell, WilliamDate1989-1996LanguageEnglishDescriptionIn this five-part oral history, fighter ace William Farrell discusses his 30+ years of service with the United States Marine Corps.

In part one, he describes his experiences as a fighter pilot and shares memorable moments from his combat tours during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Topics discussed include his time stationed in Okinawa with Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312); his interdiction missions and air strikes in Korea; and his participation in the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968.

In part two, he provides clarifying details regarding his wartime experiences and some of the combat missions discussed in the previous interview. Special focus on his World War II service with Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312) and on a combat mission in May 1945 in which his division intercepted a large group of Japanese planes.

In part three, he provides more clarifying details regarding his wartime experiences and some of the combat missions discussed in the previous interviews. Special focus on his World War II service with Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312) and on a combat mission in May 1945 in which his division intercepted a large group of Japanese planes.

In part four, he describes several memorable incidents from his combat tours during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Topics discussed include an air strike in 1952 on a North Korean leader’s pleasure house and two stories involving Vietnamese families who needed assistance from Farrell’s unit.

In part five, he provides more clarifying details regarding his wartime experiences during the Vietnam War. Topics discussed include his combat missions flying the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and his participation in the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968.Biographical NoteWilliam Farrell was born on November 29, 1921 in Paterson, New Jersey. He entered the Naval Aviation Cadet program in 1942 and received his commission with the United States Marine Corps the following year. During World War II, Farrell served in the Pacific Theater with Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312), flying missions in Okinawa and the South Pacific. He remained in the military after the war and went on to serve with Marine Fighter Squadron 513 (VMF-513) and Marine Fighter Squadron 311 (VMF-311) during the Korean War. During the Vietnam War, he once again flew with VMF-311 and also served as commander of Chu Lai Air Base. Farrell retired as a colonel in 1974 and afterwards had a 20-year teaching career in the Southern California area. He passed away in 2002.

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